I was going to take an entirely different approach to writing about sexy Halloween costumes for older women. I reached out to some fashion pros to get their take on the subject. Even had a couple of professional stylists whose opinion I was going to seek. And then it dawned on me: Do I really care what anyone else has to say?
Because the truth is that I bought myself a fairly sexy costume and I'm going to wear it. Regardless of what other fashion experts think.
It all started when my cool friend Tammye decided to throw a costume party for Halloween. For the past few years I had spent most Halloweens simply going door to door with the kids trick or treating. Halloween parties were family affairs with all ages mixed together. Dressing for Halloween often meant wearing a kitchsy orange tee shirt. The last time I dressed up to go to a grown-up costume party was probably 7 or 8 years ago. I'm a lot thinner now. And I've worked hard to get here.
So I want to wear a sexy costume. Now, mind you, when I say sexy costume mine is nothing like those itty-bitty costumes that are super low-cut and tiny short skirts. Like Sexy Nurse or Sexy Vampire or Sexy French Maid. Those sexy Halloween costumes are all the rage (you can't go into a Halloween store without seeing dozens of them) I do think I'm too old to wear a skirt that's so short you can't bend over to tie your shoe. But, hey, if you're my age and think you can still rock it, then I say "Go for it!"
My costume, for lack of a better term, is sexy fortune teller. My dress has a hi-low hem (something I'd never wear in real life) and a low-cut, lace-up bodice that's, well, definitely the sexy part. I'm wearing fishnets, fake eyelashes, and a long reddish-brown wig (that's the fun part!)
In the costume store, the 17-year-old rolled her eyes (don't worry, she does that all the time) when she saw me headed to the dressing room with the dress. When I came out and showed her the dress, she said "Wow, you've got the body for that." She wholeheartedly encouraged me to buy it which surprised me so much I decided to get it.
I did ask a few of my friends what they thought about the outfit. Tammye, who is having the party, encouraged me to decorate the bodice area with a tattoo. Remember, I told you she was cool. And my BFF, Ang, said sexy costumes were fine for older women as long as you still looked good in them. She said if you still had good-looking skin it was fine to show it off; if not, cover up. And most of all: the hubby thinks it's just fine.
I never dress flashy or for attention in real life. So the idea of wearing something entirely out of character for Halloween is pretty exciting. I've been happily married to the same man forever and I really want to look good for him. And for myself.
Because as inspirational as 66-year-old Helen Mirren is in a red bikini, I'm doubtful that I'll be rocking a thong in my golden years. So I might as well live a little now.
Happy Halloween!